"My theory is," I said, "that when the time of her confinement approached, Mr. Holladay brought his wife to Paris to secure the services of an experienced physician, perhaps; or perhaps a nurse, or linen, or all of them. That done, they proceeded to Etretat, which they may have visited before, and knew for a quiet place, with a bracing atmosphere and good climate--just such a place as they would naturally desire. Here, the daughter was born, and here, I am convinced, we shall find the key to the mystery, though I'm very far from guessing what that key is. But I have a premonition--you may smile if you wish--that I'll find the clew I'm seeking at Etretat. The name has somehow struck an answering chord in me." The words, as I recall them now, seem more than a little foolish and self-assured; yet, in light of the result--well, at any rate, my chief showed no disposition to smile, but sat for some moments in deep thought. "I don't doubt that you're right, Mr. Lester," he said at last. "At any rate, I'm ready to trust your experience--since I have absolutely none in this kind of work. I don't need to say that I have every confidence in you. I'll have a letter of credit prepared at once, so that you may not want for money--shall we say five thousand to start with?" I stammered that I was certain that would be more than enough, but he silenced me with a gesture. "You'll find foreign travel more expensive than you think," he said. "It may be, too, that you'll find that money will help you materially with your investigations. I want you to have all you may need--don't spare it. When you need more don't hesitate to draw on us." I thanked him and was about to take my leave, for I had some packing to do and some private business to arrange, when a message came from Doctor Jenkinson. Mr. Graham smiled as he read it. "Royce is better," he said; "much better. He's asking for you, and Jenkinson seems to think you'd better go to him, especially if you can bring good news." "Just the thing!" I cried. "I must go to bid him good-by, in any event," and half an hour later I was admitted to our junior's room. He was lying back in a big chair, and seemed pale and weak, but he flushed up when he saw me, and held out his hand eagerly. "I couldn't wait any longer, Lester," he began. "It seems an age since I've seen you. I'd have sent for you before this, but I knew that you were working." "Yes," I smiled; "I was working." "Sit down and tell me about it," he commanded. "All about it--every detail." The door opened as he spoke, and Dr. Jenkinson came in. "Doctor," I queried, "how far is it safe to indulge this sick man? He wants me to tell him a story." "Is it a good story?" asked the doctor. "Why, yes; fairly good." "Then tell it. May I stay?" "Certainly," said Mr. Royce and I together, and the doctor drew up a chair.